Dispensing shipping container with funnel-type pallet

ABSTRACT

A dispensing shipping container for transporting and dispensing flowable materials in bulk quantities is provided by a base in the form of a pallet having legs and including downwardly and inwardly sloping walls which terminate in a dispensing opening. A container body is positioned on the pallet and includes a plurality of sidewalls which rest upon the pallet and which together with the pallet define the container volume. A suitable cover means is provided to prevent contamination by foreign materials of the material carried by the container. Preferably the pallet is a unitary structure and includes hollow legs which permit a multiplicity of pallets to be stacked in closely spaced relationship and in nested condition. Suitable closure means can be provided to prevent inadvertent dispensing of the material carried by the container.

[4 1 Jan. 15, 1974 1 DISPENSING SHIPPING CONTAINER WITH FUNNEL-TYPEPALLET William R. Smith, Cincinnati, Ohio [73] Assignee: CincinnatiMilacron Inc.,

Cincinnati, Ohio 22 Filed: July 14, 1972 211 Appl. No.: 271,720

[75] Inventor:

[52] US. Cl. 222/460, 222/143, 229/14 B,

229/17 B [51] Int. Cl. B67c 11/00 [58] Field of Search 222/460, 541,143,

222/556; 214/305; 229/17 B, 17 SC, 23 C, 1.4 B; 108/51-58 PrimaryExaminer-Robert B. Reeves Assistant Examiner-David A. Scherbel [57]ABSTRACT A dispensing shipping container for transporting and dispensingflowable materials in bulk quantities is provided by a base in the formof a pallet having legs and including downwardly and inwardly slopingwalls which terminate in a dispensing opening. A container body ispositioned on the pallet and includes a plurality of sidewalls whichrest upon the pallet and which together with the pallet define thecontainer volume. A suitable cover means is provided to preventcontamination by foreign materials of the material carried by thecontainer. Preferably the pallet is a unitary structure and includeshollow legs which permit a multiplicity of pallets to be stacked inclosely spaced relationship and in nested condition. Suitable closuremeans can be provided to prevent inadvertent dispensing of the materialcarried by the container.

4 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PAIENIEU M 3,7855% SHEEI 1 (IF 3 PAIENIE JAN151914 SHEE! 2 BF 3 I PAIENTEUJAN 1 SIHH DISPENSING SHIPPING CONTAINERWITH FUNNEL-TYPE PALLET BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This inventionrelates to shipping containers, and more particularly to adispensing-type shipping container which is especially adapted for usein connection with flowable materials.

The use of bin-type containers to permit the transporting and subsequentdispensing of flowable materials in bulk form is well-known. Forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 3,083,879, which issued Apr. 2, I963, to C. B.Coleman, discloses a dispensing bin suitable for handling by means offork-lift trucks and by means of which bulk quantities of flowablematerials can be conveniently handled. However, the Coleman device is alarge, cumbersome structure, it must be returned as a unit forrefilling, and it cannot be dismantled for easy return. When beingreturned for refilling, the Coleman dispensing bins consume aconsiderable amount of space, thus rendering their use relativelyexpensive.

The drawbacks of the Coleman device with regard to return for refillingare overcome by the structure disclosed in us. Pat. No 2,762,551, whichissued Sept. 11, I956, to C. D. Fallert. The Fallert device consists ofa multi-wall paper board container which is secured to a flat woodenpallet and adapted to transport flowable materials in bulk form. TheFaller't device, how ever, does not include dispensing means forfacilitating the controlled flow of material from the container;instead, the materials must be removed from the top of the container, asby scooping or otherwise transferring them'to their point of use.

Additionally, the prior art has also taught the use of a bag-like innerlining used in conjunction with a paperboard shipping container which isattached to a wooden pallet. Specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 3,433,400,which issued Mar. 18, I969 to M. R. Hawkins discloses such a container.However, the nature of the container construction is such thatincomplete emptying of the contents can occur unless the bag is itselfwithdrawn from the dispensing slot, as shown in FIG. 3 of the patent.That particular operation requires the presence of some operator andthus contributes to the cost of this approach.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome the above-describeddifficulties in connection with the prior art structures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Briefly stated, in accordance with one aspectof the present invention, a dispensing shipping container is providedfor transporting and dispensing flowable materials in bulk quantities.The container includes a base in the form of a pallet which includesdownwardly and inwardly sloping walls which terminate in a dispensingopening. The pallet includes a plurality of legs which space thedispensing opening from the plane of the lowermost portion of the legs.The container includes means for closing the dispensing opening toprevent the inadvertent loss of material therefrom and also includes aplurality of sidewalls which extend upwardly from the pallet to define asubstantially tubular structure, which together with the pallet definesthe container volume. Cover means are provided for closing the top ofthe container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of thedispensing shipping container of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the pallet forming the base of the container ofthe present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the-pallet forming the base of the presentcontainer.

FIG. 4 is a vertical cross section of the shipping container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a transverse cross section of the shipping container of FIG.ll.

FIG. 6 is a layout of the paperboard blank defining the exterior portionof the container.

FIG. 7 is a layout of the paperboard blank forming the interior portionof the container.

FIG. 8 is a layout of the paperboard blank defining the cover of thecontainer.

FIG. 9 is a layout of an alternative embodiment for the paperboard blankdefining the exterior portion of the container.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawingsand particularly to FIG. 1 thereof, there is shown the dispensingshipping container of the present invention. The container comprises abase 10 in the form of a pallet having depending legs 11 a number ofsidewalls l2 and a top cover portion 13. The container of the presentinvention is particularly adapted to the transportation and subsequentdispensing of flowable materials, which can be either liquids orparticulate solids. In the case of the latter, the materials which canadvantageously be transported in the container of the present inventionrange from finely divided powders and granular materials to discreteparticles of relatively substantial size. For example, among otherproducts, the container of the present invention is suitable for use inconnection with abrasive grains, powdered and particulate chemicals,various liquids, and particulate matter of substantial size such as, forexample, nuts, and the like.

Base 10 of the container is in the form of a pallet which is shown inmore detail in FIGS. 2 and 3. As therein shown, base 10 comprises aplurality of generally triangular panels 14 which are positioned inabutting relationship to provide a substantially rectangular outline.Each of panels 14 slopes downwardly and inwardly and terminates todefine a portion of a dispensing opening 15. An outwardly extendingledge 16 can be provided to support sidewalls l2 and an upstandingperipheral lip 17 can be provided to prevent lateral shifting ofsidewalls 12. The pallet is supported by a plurality of legs 11 whichare positioned at the corners thereof. Preferably the legs are hollow topermit a plurality of pallets to be stacked one upon the other innested, closely spaced relationship to facilitate return of the palletsfor subsequent reuse, and are so spaced to permit transport of thepallet by means of fork lift trucks. The pallet can also be of a unitaryconstruction, which can be obtained by forming it from drawn metals ormolded plastics; alternatively, and preferably from the standpoints bothof strength and of cost, the pallets can be formed from fiber reinforcedplastics, such as for example, fiberglass.

The container of the present invention is shown in cross section and inassembled form in FIG. 4. As

therein shown, sidewalls 12 of the container rest on base and caninclude an outer wall 18 and an inner wall 19 each of which can beformed from, for example, corrugated paperboard. The number of plys ofsidewall required for any particular application would be dependent uponthe nature of the material carried by the container and its density,which would be reflected in a deflecting force which tends to bow theside walls outwardly unless they are reinforced or of multiple wallconstruction. Sidewalls 12 can, if desired, be supported by a ledge 16which extends around the periphery of base 10 and in addition berestrained from lateral movement by means of upstanding lip 17 formedaround the outer periphery thereof. As shown in FIG. 4, base 10 includesa closure device 20 at dispensing opening to prevent inadvertent loss ofmaterial therethrough. Additionally, a plastic liner in the form of abag 21 can be provided in the event liquid materials are to be carriedin the container of the present invention, or in the event dry productswhich are hygroscopic are shipped, in order to prevent excessiveabsorption of moisture thereby during transit.

Outer wall 18, assuming only one thickness of sidewall is employed, canmerely be of a tubular construction, the blank for which is shown inFIG. 6. As therein shown a series of abutting panels 22 defined by scorelines 23 are formed in a blank of suitable material and the same is thenassembled to form a tubular structure of a cross section correspondingto that of base 10 by overlapping the narrow flap 24 with the free end25 of the first panel 22, as by means of glue, staples, or the like.

Inner wall 19 can also be formed in similar fashion, the blank for whichis shown in layout form in FIG. 7. As shown, a plurality of panels 26are defined in the blank by means of score lines 27 and from each of thepanels a trapezoidal flap 28 is positioned in hinged relationship withits associated panel 26. Since outer wall 18 is secured by attachingnarrow flap 24 in overlapping relationship to the first of panels 22having free end 25 to define a tubular structure, it is not absolutelynecessary that the inner wall be secured in the same fashion, althoughit can be so secured if desired. As shown in the cross sectional view ofFIG. 5, flaps 28 are not so long as to obstruct dispensing opening 15yet are sufficient to cover the openings 29 defined by hollow legs 11 toprevent the accumulation ofmaterial in those areas. Flaps 28 can be soconfigured that their edges abut when inner wall 19 is formed into itstubular shape, or, if desired, they can be so configured as to partiallyoverlap each other for ease of manufacture.

As is shown in phantom in FIG. 5, a sheet 29a of plastic material ofsubstantial thickness, say, several mils can be provided in overlyingrelationship to dispensing opening 15 to thereby prevent undesired flowof the material therethrough. If desired, the sheet can be of athermoformed nature with a protruding projection (not shown) whichcorresponds with and extends into dispensing opening 15. Sheet 29a canbe employed whether or not a cover is provided and in the latter casecan take the place of the cover, if desired.

Top cover 13 of the container of this invention can be formed from ablank configured as shown in FIG. 8, and which comprises a central panel30, a pair of opposed side flaps 31, which are hingedly connected tocentral panel 30 by means of score lines 32, and a pair of opposed flaps33 hingedly connected to central panel 30 by means of score lines 34.

FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment for outer wall 18 and whichobviates the need of a separate cover 13 shown in FIG. 8. In thisembodiment, the several panels 35 each includes a hinged flap member 36which is hingedly secured to its respective panel 35 by score line 37and which is adapted to be inwardly folded in overlapping relationshipin a well-known manner to close the top of the container.

In use, the container of this invention can be filled by any convenientmeans and shipped to its destination either stacked one upon another orin single layers, as desired. Although not absolutely necessary, cover13 and sidewalls 12 can be secured to base 10 by means of straps or thelike (not shown) in a manner well-known to those skilled in the art.Upon arrival at its destination, the container can be positioned above ahopper or other vessel into which its contents are to be discharged. Ifthe container includes a closure 20 such as that illustrated in FIG. 4hereof, the closure can be opened when desired to permit the material toflow through dispensing opening 15. Similarly, if the closure is in theform of a sheet of plastic or other material 29a such as shown inphantom in FIG. 5, flow of the material through the dispensing openingcan be initiated by inserting a knife or other sharp object throughdispensing opening 15 to puncture the film or sheet and thereby permitthe material to flow from the container. Because of the downward andinward slope of panels 14 of base 10, complete emptying of the containeris assured. The angle of inclination of the several panels 14 of base 10can be determined experimentally for any type of material which may beshipped.

While particular embodiments of the invention have been illustrated anddescribed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variouschanges and modifications can be made and it is intended to cover in theappended claims all such changes and modifications that are within thescope of this invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A dispensing shipping container for transporting and dispensingflowable materials in bulk quantities, said container comprising:

a. a base including downwardly and inwardly sloping walls whichterminate in a dispensing opening, said base having a plurality ofhollow nestable legs extending downwardly therefrom which allow aplurality of such bases to be stacked in a nesting closely spacedrelationship and which space the dispensing opening form the plane ofthe lowermost portion of said legs;

b. closure means for preventing the flow of material through saiddispensing opening during transit of said container;

c. a plurality of sidewalls extending upwardly from said base, saidsidewalls cooperating with said base to define a container andterminating at a point spaced above said pallet;

d. cover means for closing the top of said container to thereby minimizethe entry of foreign matter therewithin; and

e. said base including an outer upstanding lip to prevent lateralshifting of said sidewalls.

2. The container of claim 1 including an inner bag which extends oversubstantially the complete inner surface of said container and which issuitable for packto define a container and terminating at a point aginghygroscopic products. spaced above said pallet; and

3. A dispensing shipping container for transporting (1. cover means forclosing the top of said container and dispensing flowable materials inbulk quantities to thereby minimize the entry of foreign matter saidcontainer comprisingi 5 therewithin; and

a. a base including downwardly and inwardly sloping e. said sidewallsbeing a multi-layer structure includwalls which terminate in adispensing opening, said ing an outer wall formed from several panelsand base having a plurality of legs extending downan inner wall formedfrom several panels wherein wardly therefrom, and which space thedispensing each panel of said inner wall includes a substanopening fromthe plane of the lowermost portion of 10 tially trapezoidal flapextending therefrom and said legs; which overlies a portion of thehollow legs in said b. closure means for preventing the flow of materialbase.

through said dispensing opening during transit of 4. The container ofclaim 3 further comprising an said container; inner bag positionedbetween said inner and said c. a plurality of sidewalls extendingupwardly from outer walls.

said base, said sidewalls cooperating with said base

1. A dispensing shipping container for transporting and dispensingflowable materials in bulk quantities, said container comprising: a. abase including downwardly and inwardly sloping walls which terminate ina dispensing opening, said base having a plurality of - hollownestable - legs extending downwardly therefrom which - allow a pluralityof such bases to be stacked in a nesting closely spaced relationship andwhich - space the dispensing opening form the plane of the lowermostportion of said legs; b. closure means for preventing the flow ofmaterial through said dispensing opening during transit of saidcontainer; c. a plurality of sidewalls extending upwardly from saidbase, said sidewalls cooperating with said base to define a containerand terminating at a point spaced above said pallet; d. cover means forclosing the top of said container to thereby minimize the entry offoreign matter therewithin; and e. said base including an outerupstanding lip to prevent lateral shifting of said sidewalls.
 2. Thecontainer of claim 1 including an inner bag which extends oversubstantially the complete inner surface of said container and which issuitable for packaging hygroscopic products.
 3. A dispensing shippingcontainer for transporting and dispensing flowable materials in bulkquantities said container comprising: a. a base including downwardly andinwardly sloping walls which terminate in a dispensing opening, saidbase having a plurality of legs extending downwardly therefrom, andwhich space the dispensing opening from the plane of the lowermostportion of said legs; b. closure means for preventing the flow ofmaterial through said dispensing opening during transit of saidcontainer; c. a plurality of sidewalls extending upwardly from saidbase, said sidewalls cooperating with said base to define a containerand terminating at a point spaced above said pallet; and d. cover meansfor closing the top of said container to thereby minimize the entry offoreign matter therewithin; and e. said sidewalls being a multi-layerstructure including an outer wall formed from several panels and aninner wall formed from several panels wherein each panel of said innerwall includes a substantially trapezoidal flap extending therefrom andwhich overlies a portion of the hollow legs in said base.
 4. Thecontainer of claiM 3 further comprising an inner bag -positioned betweensaid inner and said outer walls.